Leak confirms Windows 9, suggests Windows 8.1 Update 3 is coming

Microsoft doesn’t usually talk about its future products, but we already know that Windows 9 is work in progress and could arrive as soon as April 2015, if the information we have is accurate.

A new product roadmap that has reached the web today and allegedly pointing to future Microsoft projects reveals not only that Windows 9 development advances at a really fast pace, but also the fact that Windows 8.1 Update 3 is still on the table.

As you can see for yourselves by clicking the screenshot in this article, the leaked photo claims that Windows 9, Windows 365, and Windows 8.1 Update 3 are all possible, although their current status is unknown.

Of course, nobody can tell whether this product roadmap is indeed accurate or not, but even if it’s fake, it points to some rumors that we heard in the past and suggesting that Microsoft could release a third update for Windows 8.1.

First of all, Windows 9 is already on the horizon and it is a sure thing, no matter if Microsoft publicly confirms it or not. The preview build should see daylight later this month, while the full product is expected to be introduced in April 2015.

As far as Windows 365 is concerned, rumor has it that this could be a subscription-based operating system very similar to Office 365. No details are available at this point, but we heard about it several times, with some people claiming that Microsoft has even considered pulling the plug on this project.

Last but not least, word is that Windows 8.1 Update 3 could be introduced at some point, although Microsoft might actually pick a different name for this pack of improvements. What we hear is that everything depends on the way development of the new Windows 9 goes, as Microsoft could use Windows 8.1 Update 3 as a backup in case it needs to delay the launch of the new OS.

If this is indeed necessary, Windows 8.1 Update 3 could be used to keep consumers updated until the new OS comes out, but it’s not yet clear whether this could serve as a product supposed to pave the way for Windows 9 or actually bring new features to those already on Windows 8.1.

As you can see, pretty much everything is based on rumors at this point, so don’t take anything for granted until Microsoft actually says something about Windows 9.